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fannie · 10-13-2006, 05:12 PM

http://www.netpets.com/dogs/healthspa/what_is.html

What are dewclaws?

Dewclaws are like thumbs. They are the first digit on a dog, and, unlike digits 2,3,4 and 5, are not used for walking. They are located a short distance up the leg on the inside surface. They are usually removed at the same time the tail is docked, at 2 to 5 days of age. At this age, the bones that make up the toes are tiny and soft so that snipping them off is easy. If the dewclaws are not removed at 2-5 days of age, like the tail dock, one should wait until the pup is old enough to anaesthetise safely.

Removing dewclaws from an adult animal is much more difficult than snipping them off of a days old puppy. Recovery time is also longer and many adult animals will bother the incision excessively because it is so easy to reach. This usually necessitates the placement of an Elizabethan collar, a funnel shaped plastic device that surrounds the animal's head, so that it cannot lick or chew its sutures out. Dewclaws serve no purpose to the dog. They are easily snagged on things and often traumatised.

I will not do my puppies tails or dew claws because I feel that it's the right time to have them checked out by the vet anyway. Besides... he only charges $6 per puppy.

10-13-2006, 05:12 PM	#6
fannie Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,693	http://www.netpets.com/dogs/healthspa/what_is.html What are dewclaws? Dewclaws are like thumbs. They are the first digit on a dog, and, unlike digits 2,3,4 and 5, are not used for walking. They are located a short distance up the leg on the inside surface. They are usually removed at the same time the tail is docked, at 2 to 5 days of age. At this age, the bones that make up the toes are tiny and soft so that snipping them off is easy. If the dewclaws are not removed at 2-5 days of age, like the tail dock, one should wait until the pup is old enough to anaesthetise safely. Removing dewclaws from an adult animal is much more difficult than snipping them off of a days old puppy. Recovery time is also longer and many adult animals will bother the incision excessively because it is so easy to reach. This usually necessitates the placement of an Elizabethan collar, a funnel shaped plastic device that surrounds the animal's head, so that it cannot lick or chew its sutures out. Dewclaws serve no purpose to the dog. They are easily snagged on things and often traumatised. I will not do my puppies tails or dew claws because I feel that it's the right time to have them checked out by the vet anyway. Besides... he only charges $6 per puppy. __________________ Steph, Mama to 6 skin babies and beautiful yorkies!